A new study from the University of Canterbury reveals that people are spending more time scrolling on social media than eating or exercising each day.
Surveying nearly 400 users aged 18 to 44, the study found participants spent an average of two and a half hours daily on Facebook and Instagram, with some young people using these platforms up to seven or eight hours per day. Lecturer Knseniia Zarhai explained that many people underestimate their time online, which can add up to over a month each year.
The study highlights the risks of excessive social media use, noting that it can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, and a distorted sense of self. Some users even face physical dangers, such as when drivers check their phones behind the wheel. One participant described nearly hitting a deer after looking at a notification while driving.
Social media habits are often hard to break, as checking platforms can become a reflex. But Zarhai suggests three strategies to help: turning off notifications to reduce impulsive use, setting specific goals for time online, and choosing to engage with meaningful content. These steps aim to shift from “mindless to mindful” social media use.
Several social media users in Wellington admitted spending hours on their feeds daily. One person shared how deleting TikTok helped them cut back, while another said social media was “too enjoyable,” making it harder to focus on other activities like reading.
is that really true